Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

LP-CND-35511

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2023-06-02

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Redeye

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

708857355112

Total Cap

Black LP

CD-CND-35512

708857355129

Artist

Thelonious Monk

Genre US

Jazz

Label US

Candid Records

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer, born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential pianists of the twentieth century and a key figure in the development of bebop. Monk's unique improvisational style and prolific compositions have left a lasting impact on the jazz genre. Known for his dissonant harmonies, angular melodic twists, and unconventional approach to the piano, he created music that was both innovative and captivating.

In addition to his musical talents, Monk had a distinct fashion sense with his signature suits, hats, and sunglasses. His stage presence was equally unconventional; often getting up from his piano to dance while his band members continued playing. This idiosyncratic behavior drew comparisons to ring-shout and Muslim Sufi whirling. Notably, Monk is one of only five jazz musicians to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

Thelonious Monk passed away on February 17, 1982 at the age of 64 in Weehawken, New Jersey. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as an artist who pushed boundaries and redefined jazz music through his groundbreaking compositions and performances.

At the time of this recording, Thelonious Monk was at both a creative and critical peak.  He had recently signed with Columbia Records, notably one of the biggest jazz labels in the world at the time, and the following year became the third jazz musician in history to appear on the cover of Time Magazine.

The Classic Quartet is comprised of Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Frankie Dunlop on drums.  The recording captures what is undoubtedly one of the very best sets of the era.  The songs, classic Monk repertoire, will be familiar to any Monk fan.  That includes what is by all accounts an exceptional version of one of Monk’s favorite standards, “Just A Gigolo.”

This recording is the audio portion of a television show recorded in Tokyo during Monk’s 1963 tour of Japan.  Not to be confused with the live album of that same 1963 tour, Monk In Tokyo, released on Columbia Records.  It also should be noted that the recordings here were previously released as Thelonious Monk 1963 Japan, at various times, by various labels.  

This version has been remastered by Award Winning Engineer Bernie Grundman.  It is the first time this album has been released on vinyl in over 35 years.

The Classic Quartet (Remastered)

Music US